This summer Galveston has been saying sad good-bye to its majestic oaks that once lined many neighborhood streets and thoroughfares. On September 13th Hurricane Ike covered most of the Island in a tidal surge. The damaging combination of powerful wind and waves immediately uprooted many trees, but ultimately the salty storm waters led to the demise of thousands of others.

This weekend James D. Phillips, a sculpture artist, is breathing second life into something Mother Nature attempted to destroy. In an effort steered by the members of the City’s Tree Committee, a large live oak and smaller companion tree located on the grounds of Galveston’s City Hall is being carved into a Dalmatian puppy and fire hydrant. This pair of whimsical sculptures is a nod to the fire station located adjacent to the municipal building.

The public is encouraged to drive by City Hall to see the trees’ transformation from Ike eyesore to public art as they run weekend errands or drive downtown for Galveston’s Art Walk festivities Saturday night. A total of six trees on city property have been identified for sculpture. Additionally, a handful of private property owners have also expressed interest in tree carvings for Ike-damaged trees at their homes.

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These photos were taken by Dan Guidry on July 19.

Donna Leibbert Jim Phillips were waiting for final word on the fate of the oak trees to be used in the project.